WO2002017809A1 - Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002017809A1
WO2002017809A1 PCT/US2000/023727 US0023727W WO0217809A1 WO 2002017809 A1 WO2002017809 A1 WO 2002017809A1 US 0023727 W US0023727 W US 0023727W WO 0217809 A1 WO0217809 A1 WO 0217809A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
atrial appendage
left atrial
closing
shaft
closure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/023727
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Aaron V. Kaplan
Jordan T. Bajor
Original Assignee
Kaplan Aaron V
Bajor Jordan T
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kaplan Aaron V, Bajor Jordan T filed Critical Kaplan Aaron V
Priority to EP00957904A priority Critical patent/EP1313406B1/en
Priority to JP2002522787A priority patent/JP4671582B2/en
Priority to DE60044569T priority patent/DE60044569D1/en
Priority to PCT/US2000/023727 priority patent/WO2002017809A1/en
Publication of WO2002017809A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002017809A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord
    • A61B17/128Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord for applying or removing clamps or clips
    • A61B17/1285Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord for applying or removing clamps or clips for minimally invasive surgery
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels, umbilical cord
    • A61B17/12009Implements for ligaturing other than by clamps or clips, e.g. using a loop with a slip knot
    • A61B17/12013Implements for ligaturing other than by clamps or clips, e.g. using a loop with a slip knot for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00238Type of minimally invasive operation
    • A61B2017/00243Type of minimally invasive operation cardiac
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00238Type of minimally invasive operation
    • A61B2017/00243Type of minimally invasive operation cardiac
    • A61B2017/00247Making holes in the wall of the heart, e.g. laser Myocardial revascularization
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00292Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
    • A61B2017/003Steerable
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00353Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery one mechanical instrument performing multiple functions, e.g. cutting and grasping
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00491Surgical glue applicators
    • A61B2017/00504Tissue welding
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/0057Implements for plugging an opening in the wall of a hollow or tubular organ, e.g. for sealing a vessel puncture or closing a cardiac septal defect
    • A61B2017/00575Implements for plugging an opening in the wall of a hollow or tubular organ, e.g. for sealing a vessel puncture or closing a cardiac septal defect for closure at remote site, e.g. closing atrial septum defects
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/0057Implements for plugging an opening in the wall of a hollow or tubular organ, e.g. for sealing a vessel puncture or closing a cardiac septal defect
    • A61B2017/00575Implements for plugging an opening in the wall of a hollow or tubular organ, e.g. for sealing a vessel puncture or closing a cardiac septal defect for closure at remote site, e.g. closing atrial septum defects
    • A61B2017/00632Occluding a cavity, i.e. closing a blind opening
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/34Trocars; Puncturing needles
    • A61B17/3417Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
    • A61B17/3421Cannulas
    • A61B2017/3445Cannulas used as instrument channel for multiple instruments
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00345Vascular system
    • A61B2018/00351Heart
    • A61B2018/00392Transmyocardial revascularisation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to medical methods and apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and device for the minimally invasive closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart.
  • Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac rhythm disorder affecting a population of approximately 2.5 million patients in the United States alone. Atrial fibrillation results from a number of different causes and is characterized by a rapid chaotic heart beat. In addition to the risks associated with a disordered heart beat, patients with atrial fibrillation also have an increased risk of stroke. It has been estimated that approximately 75,000 atrial fibrillation patients each year suffer a stroke related to that condition. It appears that strokes in these patients result from emboli many of which may originate from the left atrial appendage. The irregular heart beat causes blood to pool in the left atrial appendage, allowing clots to accumulate over time.
  • clot may dislodge from the left atrial appendage and may enter the cranial circulation causing a stroke, the coronary circulation causing a myocardial infarction, the peripheral circulation causing limb ischemia, as well as other vascular beds.
  • 5,306,234 to Johnson describes a thoracoscopic procedure where access to the pericardial space over the heart is achieved using a pair of intercostal penetrations (i.e., penetrations between the patient's ribs) to establish both visual and surgical access. While such procedures may be performed while the heart remains beating, they still require deflation of the patient's lung and that the patient be placed under full anesthesia. Furthermore, placement of a chest tube is typically required to reinflate the lung, often requiring a hospitalization for a couple of days.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,865,791, to Whayne et al. describes a transvascular approach for closing the left atrial appendage.
  • Access is gained via the venous system, typically through a femoral vein, a right internal jugular vein, or a subclavian vein, where a catheter is advanced in an antegrade direction to the right atrium.
  • the intra-atrial septum is then penetrated, and the catheter passed into the left atrium.
  • the catheter is then positioned in the vicinity of the left atrial appendage which is then fused closed, e.g., using radiofrequency energy, other electrical energy, thermal energy, surgical adhesives, or the like.
  • Whayne et al. further describes a thoracoscopic procedure where the pericardium is penetrated through the rib cage and a lasso placed to tie off the neck of the left atrial appendage.
  • fixation means described include sutures, staples, shape memory wires, biocompatible adhesives, tissue ablation, and the like.
  • the transvascular approach suggested by Whayne et al. is advantageous in that it avoids the need to penetrate the patient's chest but suffers from the need to penetrate the intra-atrial septum, may not provide definitive closure, requires entry into the left atrial appendage which may dislodge clot and requires injury to the endocardial surface which may promote thrombus formation.
  • a thoracoscopic approach which is also suggested by Whayne et al. suffers from the same problems as the thoracoscopic approach suggested by Johnson.
  • Such methods and procedures will preferably be capable of being performed on patients who have received only a local anesthetic and whose hearts have not been stopped. It would be further desirable to provide methods and procedures which approach the left atrial appendage without the need to perform a thoracotomy (penetration through the infracostal space) or the need to perform a transeptal penetration and/or perform the procedure within the left atrium or left atrial appendage. More specifically, it would be preferable to provide methods and procedures which permitted access to the pericardial space from the xiphoid region of a patient's chest.
  • the present invention provides alternative and improved methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient, particularly a patient at risk of occlusive stroke resulting from emboli released from the left atrial appendage.
  • the most likely patient population for the procedures will be patients suffering from atrial fibrillation which can result in clot and thrombus generation in the left atrial appendage, as described above.
  • the methods and apparatus of the present invention permit procedures to be performed on a conscious sedated patient, often in an ambulatory surgical setting where the patient may be released shortly after the procedure is completed.
  • the methods and apparatus of the present invention eliminates the need for a large incision and division of the sternum, i.e., median sternotomy.
  • the present invention further eliminates the need to take down (deflate) a lung to access a left atrial appendage, as is usually required in thoracoscopic procedures performed via infracostal access.
  • the methods of the present invention will be performed in a minimally invasive manner, i.e., where access to the pericardial space overlying the patient's left atrial appendage is accomplished through percutaneous penetrations through the patient's skin.
  • the present invention relies on a "sub-xiphoid" approach where the percutaneous penetration is first made beneath the rib cage, preferably between the xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage, and an atrial appendage closure tool advanced through the penetration, over the epicardial surface (in the pericardial space) to reach a location adjacent to the exterior of the left atrial appendage.
  • Closure can be effected in a variety of ways. It is presently preferred to position a loop of material, such as suture, wire, mesh, tape, or the like, over the appendage and cinch the loop tighter to close the interior of the appendage.
  • a variety of alternative closure techniques would also find use, including suturing (using remotely actuated suturing instruments), stapling, clipping, fusing, gluing, clamping, riveting, or the like.
  • Such closure will generally be intended to be permanent, i.e., it will remain indefinitely after the closure tool is removed, but in some instances could be reversible, i.e., the left atrial appendage could be reopened on a subsequent procedure.
  • a method for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient's heart comprises positioning a closure instrument through a percutaneous passage beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and adjacent to the left atrial appendage.
  • the left atrial appendage is then closed, usually using one of the techniques described above.
  • the positioning step may comprise making an incision usually between a costal cartilage and a xiphoid of the patient, establishing a tract beneath the rib cage.
  • the incision may be made superficial to the xiphoid or sternum after which a tract is made through the rib cage to the pericardial space, and will preferably include placing an access sheath through the incision into the pericardial space.
  • the incision may be made using a scalpel or other conventional surgical tool, but could also be made using a trocar and cannula assembly, such as those used in laparoscopic surgery, where the trocar could then be removed leaving the cannula in place as the sheath of the present invention.
  • Use of a trocar and cannula may be less preferred, however, since there is an increased risk of injuring the heart if the trocar and cannula assembly is introduced in a blind fashion.
  • a closure instrument is then introduced through the sheath into the pericardial space, and over an epicardial surface to the exterior of the left atrial appendage, as described above.
  • a distal end of the tool will be introduced into an atrioventricular groove which lies just beneath the atrial appendage.
  • advancement and positioning can be performed under conventional imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopic imaging.
  • the closure tool will include or be compatible with imaging scopes which may be introduced through the tool.
  • imaging scopes will be particularly useful during the closure procedure where the left atrial appendage is manipulated as described in more detail below. In such instances, it will frequently be desirable to introduce a saline or other clear fluid into the pericardial space to facilitate viewing.
  • closure may be effected by any of the techniques described above, including looping, suturing, stapling, clipping, fusing, clamping, riveting, or the like.
  • the closure will be directed at the base region of the left atrial appendage.
  • closing the appendage may further comprise grasping the exterior of the left atrial appendage prior to the actual closing step. Grasping will typically be performed with the conventional grasping tool.
  • a preferred closure technique is to first grasp the exterior of the left atrial appendage with a grasping tool and subsequently advance a closure loop over the tool on to the exterior of the appendage. A closure loop may then be cinched or otherwise closed or allowed to close, and the tools removed.
  • the device comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the distal end is adapted to percutaneously enter the pericardial space, be advanced over an epicardial surface, and then approach the exterior of the left atrial appendage.
  • the shaft has a length in the range from 10 cm to 40 cm, a width in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm, and a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm.
  • the shaft will be curved over its length to be compatible with the curvature of the heart.
  • the shaft may include a means to alter the curvature to accommodate variations in anatomy.
  • the device may preferably include a crescent-shaped cross-section to also conform to the shape of the exterior of the heart.
  • the device will carry a mechanism or means for closing the left atrial appendage when the distal end of the shaft is positioned adjacent to the appendage.
  • the closure mechanism will be introducable through one or more lumens formed in the shaft.
  • the distal end of the shaft will be configured to lie within the atrioventricular groove of the heart, and at least one lumen through the shaft will have an exit port spaced inwardly from the distal end of the shaft by a distance in the range from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. In this way, the port will be positioned properly to access the free end of the atrial appendage for performing the closing procedures.
  • the shaft may have one or more additional lumens (for a total of two, three, or more lumens through the shaft) in order to provide additional capabilities, including introduction and use of a viewing scope, infusion and perfusion of fluids, particularly the infusion of saline to facilitate viewing.
  • the lumens can be used to introduce an anesthetic agent, such as lidocaine, in order to reduce pain or to introduce an anti-arrhythmic agent to reduce myocardial irritability.
  • kits including the closure devices just described.
  • the kits will further include instructions for use according to the methods described above, and optionally further include packaging for holding all components of the kit together.
  • the kits may include the access sheath which is placed through the percutaneous penetration tracks as the pericardial space.
  • the access sheath may be in the form of a trocar and cannula assembly, although this will usually not be preferred.
  • FIG. 1 is an anterior view of a heart illustrating the position of the left atrial appendage relative to the remaining structures of the heart.
  • Fig. 2 shows the position of the heart in an associated chest cavity and illustrates a preferred percutaneous access site for performing the methods of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary closure tool useful for performing the methods of the present invention.
  • Figs. 4A-4C are orthogonal views of the closure device of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an access sheath placed percutaneously into a pericardial space using a sub-xiphoid approach beneath the rib cage as is preferred in the methods of the present invention.
  • Figs. 6A-6G illustrate use of the exemplary tool of Fig. 3 inperfomiing the closure of a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
  • Figs. 6K-6N illustrate an alternative protocol for use of the exemplary tool of Fig. 3 in performing the closure of a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
  • Figs. 6O and 6P illustrate alternative clip placement patterns for closing the left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7A-7C illustrate an exemplary clip which may be used in performing the closure methods of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a clip insertion tool useful for placing the clip of Figs. 7A- 7C according to the methods of the present invention.
  • Figs. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views of the insertion tool of Fig. 8 used in placing the clip of Fig. 7A-7C over a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary kit including a closure device and optional components according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an anterior view of a heart illustrating the right ventricle RN, the left ventricle LV, and the left atrial appendage LAA.
  • the methods and apparatus of the present invention are intended to place a closure structure over or otherwise close off the base region BR of the left atrial appendage. By closing off the base region BR, the exchange of materials between the left atrial appendage LAA and the left atrium LA will be stopped. Thus, the release of emboli from the left atrial appendage into the left atrium will be stopped.
  • the heart is located within the pericardial space PS located beneath the patient's rib cage RC.
  • the sternum S is located in the center of the rib cage RC and terminates at its lower end in the xiphoid X.
  • the costal cartilage CC On either side of the xiphoid are the costal cartilage CC, and the percutaneous access points for performing the procedures of the present invention will be located beneath the rib cage RC, and preferably between the xiphoid X and an adjacent costal cartilage CC, preferably at the access location AL shown by a broken line.
  • FIGs. 3, 3A, and 4A-4C An exemplary tool 10 for perforaiing the methods of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 3, 3A, and 4A-4C.
  • the tool comprises a shaft 12 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16.
  • a handle 18 is preferably attached to the proximal end of the shaft, and the shaft will have a curved profile in its axial direction (as best seen in Fig. 4B) and a crescent-shaped cross-section, as best seen in Fig. 4C.
  • the preferred dimensions of the shaft are set forth above.
  • the shaft has three lumens 20, 22, and 24.
  • a first lumen 20 is used for introducing a closure tool (which may be any of the closure tools described above), while the second and third lumens (22 and 24, respectively) are used for introducing a viewing scope and fluids, such as saline or other clear fluids for improving visualization of the region surrounding the left atrial appendage.
  • the first lumen 20 can still be used for a grasper, while either of the second lumen 22 and/or third lumen 24 may be used for introducing alternative closure devices, such as clip appliers, riveting devices, fusing devices, suturing devices, stapling devices, or the like.
  • either or both of the lumens 22 and 24 may be used to advance a clip over the left atrial appendage as the appendage is being grasped by a grasper, such as the one shown in Fig. 3.
  • the closure tool may have any of a wide variety of designs, the presently preferred tool is shown in Fig. 3 A.
  • the tool comprises a grasper 30 and a capture loop 32.
  • Capture loop 32 is attached to a manipulation wire 34 which permits the loop 32 to be advanced over the forward end of the grasper to encircle and close the left atrial appendage, as will be described in more detail below.
  • the grasping tool 32 may be manipulated using a thumb guide 40, while the capture loop 32 may be manipulated using a second thumb guide 42, both of which are located on the handle 18.
  • the exit ports are located proximally of the distal end 14 of the shaft 12.
  • the shaft is generally thinned in the region between the exit ports and the distal tip, facilitating the introduction of the distal tip into the atrioventricular groove, as described in more detail below.
  • the exit ports are located a sufficient distance behind the distal tip of the shaft so that they will be generally located adjacent to the free end of the left atrial appendage when the tip is located in the atrioventricular groove.
  • the methods of the present invention may be performed in an ambulatory surgical setting.
  • a sedated patient is taken to a facility having fluoroscopic imaging capabilities.
  • the area overlying the xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage is prepared and draped using standard techniques.
  • a local anesthetic is then administered and a skin incision, usually about 2 cm in length made, at the area shown in Fig. 2.
  • the percutaneous penetration passes beneath the costal cartilage, and a sheath 100 (Fig. 5) is introduced into the pericardial space PS.
  • the pericardial space PS is then irrigated with saline, preferably with a saline-lidocaine solution to provide additional anesthesia and reduce the risk of irritating the heart.
  • the closure device 10 is then introduced through the sheath 100 into the pericardial space and advanced over the epicardmm to the atrioventricular groove AVG (as shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B).
  • the grasping tool 30 is then advanced distally from the tool 10 so that it can grasp the free end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6C.
  • a slight tension can be applied on the left atrial appendage LAA as the capture loop 32 is advanced over the grasper 30 (Fig. 6D), and on to the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6E.
  • the loop may then be cinched, as shown in Fig. 6F, and the tool 10 withdrawn leaving the closure loop in place, as shown in Fig. 6G.
  • the interior of the left atrial appendage LAA is thus isolated from the interior of the left atrium so that thrombus and other emboli cannot be released into blood circulation.
  • a portion of the parietal pericardium may be further separated from the epicardial surface and the left atrial appendage prior to closing the appendage.
  • Increasing the distance between the parietal and visceral pericardium, i.e., the pericardial space creates a working and viewing space that facilitates subsequent manipulation and closure of the atrial appendage.
  • a modified closure device 100 having an additional lumen 102 is introduced so that its distal end 104 enters the atrioventricular groove AVG, as described previously.
  • a balloon expander 110 may then be introduced through the lumen 102, and the balloon expanded to raise the pericardium, as shown in Fig. 61.
  • the grasper 30 (or other closure instrument) may then be introduced through other lumens, as previously described.
  • the working space created by the balloon greatly simplifies manipulation and positioning of the graspers 30 so that they can be used to capture the atrial appendage and close it as described previously. Further separating the parietal and visceral pericardia to create the working space is a particular advantage when a viewing scope is introduced to the working area to facilitate manipulation of the grasper 30 and any other tools which may be used.
  • the closure tool 10 is illustrated in a method for introducing a clip 200 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • the closure tool 10 is introduced to the left atrial appendage LAA as described in above in connection with Figs. 6A and 6B.
  • the clip 200 may be introduced through any of the available lumens in the device, typically using a pusher 202.
  • the clip 200 will be configured so that it opens as it emerges from the closure tool 10 and can be advanced over the free distal end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6L.
  • the clip 200 may then be closed over the appendage, as shown in Fig. 6N.
  • the clip 200 may be self-closing or may require a mechanical or heat-actuated closure mechanism. Once in place, as shown in Fig. 6N, the closure tool 10 can be removed. Frequently, it will be desirable to introduce multiple clips 200, as shown in Fig. 60. Alternatively, a larger clip 208 can be introduced transversely over the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6P.
  • the clip 300 has a generally U- shaped profile, as best seen in Fig. 7A, optionally having a serpentine or zig-zag profile on at least one of the legs of the clip. As illustrated, a series of peaks and valleys 302 is provided on an "upper" leg of the clip.
  • the clip 300 further includes a hinge region 304 which has a narrowed width to facilitate introduction through a introducer catheter 400, as shown in Fig. 8.
  • Introducer catheter 400 has a I-shaped lumen 402 which receives the clip 300 so that the upper leg and lower leg of the clip are held in an open configuration in upper and lower tracks of the lumen, as described below in connection with Figs. 9A- 9C.
  • the catheter 400 may include a radiopaque marker 404 to permit orientation under fluoroscopic imaging (so the position can confirm that the clip is in the proper vertical orientation when being placed).
  • a pusher 408 is provided having a I- shaped distal end 410 which is received in the I-shaped lumen 402 in order to advance and eject the clip from the catheter.
  • the clip 300 is held in the lumen 402 of catheter 400 with the legs of the clip held open.
  • a pusher 408 can be advanced so that end 410 engages the hinge region 304 of the clip, allowing it to be advanced out of the distal end of the catheter, as shown in Fig. 9B.
  • the clip 300 As the clip 300 emerges, it remains in an open configuration so that it can be advanced over a free distal end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 9B.
  • the clip will close over the left atrial appendage LAA to hold the appendage closed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • kits according to the present invention comprise a closure tool, such as closure tool 10 described above.
  • the kits may comprise an access sheath 120 and will include instructions for use LFU setting forth any of the methods described above.
  • all components of the kit will be packaged together in an enclosure 140, such as a pouch, tray, box, tube, or other conventional surgical package capable of maintaining the components in a sterile condition.
  • an enclosure 140 such as a pouch, tray, box, tube, or other conventional surgical package capable of maintaining the components in a sterile condition.
  • any kit containing instructions for use setting forth the methods of the present invention will be part of the present invention. Whether or not the kits include a closure device which is similar to Fig. 10 is not necessary.

Abstract

Methods, and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool (10) from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device (200) may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using grasper (10), and a closing loop (200) is illustrated.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPERICARDIAL LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical methods and apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and device for the minimally invasive closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart.
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac rhythm disorder affecting a population of approximately 2.5 million patients in the United States alone. Atrial fibrillation results from a number of different causes and is characterized by a rapid chaotic heart beat. In addition to the risks associated with a disordered heart beat, patients with atrial fibrillation also have an increased risk of stroke. It has been estimated that approximately 75,000 atrial fibrillation patients each year suffer a stroke related to that condition. It appears that strokes in these patients result from emboli many of which may originate from the left atrial appendage. The irregular heart beat causes blood to pool in the left atrial appendage, allowing clots to accumulate over time. From time to time, clot may dislodge from the left atrial appendage and may enter the cranial circulation causing a stroke, the coronary circulation causing a myocardial infarction, the peripheral circulation causing limb ischemia, as well as other vascular beds.
Significant efforts have been made to reduce the risk of stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Most commonly, those patients are treated with blood thinning agents, such as coumadin, to reduce the risk of clot formation. While such treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, it also increases the risk of bleeding and for that reason is inappropriate for many atrial fibrillation patients.
As an alternative to drug therapy, surgical procedures for closing the left atrial appendage have been proposed. Most commonly, the left atrial appendage has been closed or removed in open surgical procedures, typically where the heart has stopped and the chest opened through the sternum. Because of the significant risk and trauma of such procedures, left atrial appendage removal occurs almost exclusively when the patient's chest is opened for other procedures, such as coronary artery bypass or valve surgery. For that reason, alternative procedures which do not require opening of the patient's chest, i.e., a large median sternotomy, have been proposed. U.S. Patent No. 5,306,234 to Johnson describes a thoracoscopic procedure where access to the pericardial space over the heart is achieved using a pair of intercostal penetrations (i.e., penetrations between the patient's ribs) to establish both visual and surgical access. While such procedures may be performed while the heart remains beating, they still require deflation of the patient's lung and that the patient be placed under full anesthesia. Furthermore, placement of a chest tube is typically required to reinflate the lung, often requiring a hospitalization for a couple of days. U.S. Patent No. 5,865,791, to Whayne et al. describes a transvascular approach for closing the left atrial appendage. Access is gained via the venous system, typically through a femoral vein, a right internal jugular vein, or a subclavian vein, where a catheter is advanced in an antegrade direction to the right atrium. The intra-atrial septum is then penetrated, and the catheter passed into the left atrium. The catheter is then positioned in the vicinity of the left atrial appendage which is then fused closed, e.g., using radiofrequency energy, other electrical energy, thermal energy, surgical adhesives, or the like. Whayne et al. further describes a thoracoscopic procedure where the pericardium is penetrated through the rib cage and a lasso placed to tie off the neck of the left atrial appendage. Other fixation means described include sutures, staples, shape memory wires, biocompatible adhesives, tissue ablation, and the like. The transvascular approach suggested by Whayne et al. is advantageous in that it avoids the need to penetrate the patient's chest but suffers from the need to penetrate the intra-atrial septum, may not provide definitive closure, requires entry into the left atrial appendage which may dislodge clot and requires injury to the endocardial surface which may promote thrombus formation. A thoracoscopic approach which is also suggested by Whayne et al. suffers from the same problems as the thoracoscopic approach suggested by Johnson.
For all these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved and alternative methods and procedures for performing minimally invasive closure of the left atrial appendage. Such methods and procedures will preferably be capable of being performed on patients who have received only a local anesthetic and whose hearts have not been stopped. It would be further desirable to provide methods and procedures which approach the left atrial appendage without the need to perform a thoracotomy (penetration through the infracostal space) or the need to perform a transeptal penetration and/or perform the procedure within the left atrium or left atrial appendage. More specifically, it would be preferable to provide methods and procedures which permitted access to the pericardial space from the xiphoid region of a patient's chest. In addition to the improved and alternative methods and procedures, it would be desirable to provide specialized instruments, devices, and systems for accessing a region over a patient's left atrial appendage from a sub-xiphoid access point to permit closure of the left atrial appendage. At least some of these objectives will be met by the inventions described herein below.
2. Description of the Background Art U.S. Patent Nos. 5,306,234 and 5,865,791 have been described above.
U.S. Patent No. 3,496,932 and PCT publication WO 98/05289 describe methods and apparatus which employ a sub-xiphoid approach for direct cardiac massage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides alternative and improved methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient, particularly a patient at risk of occlusive stroke resulting from emboli released from the left atrial appendage. The most likely patient population for the procedures will be patients suffering from atrial fibrillation which can result in clot and thrombus generation in the left atrial appendage, as described above. The methods and apparatus of the present invention permit procedures to be performed on a conscious sedated patient, often in an ambulatory surgical setting where the patient may be released shortly after the procedure is completed. In particular, the methods and apparatus of the present invention eliminates the need for a large incision and division of the sternum, i.e., median sternotomy. The present invention further eliminates the need to take down (deflate) a lung to access a left atrial appendage, as is usually required in thoracoscopic procedures performed via infracostal access.
The methods of the present invention will be performed in a minimally invasive manner, i.e., where access to the pericardial space overlying the patient's left atrial appendage is accomplished through percutaneous penetrations through the patient's skin. Rather than passing through the rib cage, as with prior thoracoscopic techniques, the present invention relies on a "sub-xiphoid" approach where the percutaneous penetration is first made beneath the rib cage, preferably between the xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage, and an atrial appendage closure tool advanced through the penetration, over the epicardial surface (in the pericardial space) to reach a location adjacent to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure tool can then be used to close the left atrial appendage to prevent the formation of clot and the release of emboli from the atrium. Closure can be effected in a variety of ways. It is presently preferred to position a loop of material, such as suture, wire, mesh, tape, or the like, over the appendage and cinch the loop tighter to close the interior of the appendage. A variety of alternative closure techniques would also find use, including suturing (using remotely actuated suturing instruments), stapling, clipping, fusing, gluing, clamping, riveting, or the like. Such closure will generally be intended to be permanent, i.e., it will remain indefinitely after the closure tool is removed, but in some instances could be reversible, i.e., the left atrial appendage could be reopened on a subsequent procedure.
Thus, a method according to the present invention for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient's heart comprises positioning a closure instrument through a percutaneous passage beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and adjacent to the left atrial appendage. The left atrial appendage is then closed, usually using one of the techniques described above. The positioning step may comprise making an incision usually between a costal cartilage and a xiphoid of the patient, establishing a tract beneath the rib cage. Alternatively the incision may be made superficial to the xiphoid or sternum after which a tract is made through the rib cage to the pericardial space, and will preferably include placing an access sheath through the incision into the pericardial space. The incision may be made using a scalpel or other conventional surgical tool, but could also be made using a trocar and cannula assembly, such as those used in laparoscopic surgery, where the trocar could then be removed leaving the cannula in place as the sheath of the present invention. Use of a trocar and cannula may be less preferred, however, since there is an increased risk of injuring the heart if the trocar and cannula assembly is introduced in a blind fashion.
A closure instrument is then introduced through the sheath into the pericardial space, and over an epicardial surface to the exterior of the left atrial appendage, as described above. Preferably, a distal end of the tool will be introduced into an atrioventricular groove which lies just beneath the atrial appendage.
Preferably, once the closure tool has been introduced, advancement and positioning can be performed under conventional imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopic imaging. Often, the closure tool will include or be compatible with imaging scopes which may be introduced through the tool. The use of imaging scopes will be particularly useful during the closure procedure where the left atrial appendage is manipulated as described in more detail below. In such instances, it will frequently be desirable to introduce a saline or other clear fluid into the pericardial space to facilitate viewing.
Once the closure tool is properly positioned, closure may be effected by any of the techniques described above, including looping, suturing, stapling, clipping, fusing, clamping, riveting, or the like. Preferably, the closure will be directed at the base region of the left atrial appendage. Optionally, closing the appendage may further comprise grasping the exterior of the left atrial appendage prior to the actual closing step. Grasping will typically be performed with the conventional grasping tool. As described below, a preferred closure technique is to first grasp the exterior of the left atrial appendage with a grasping tool and subsequently advance a closure loop over the tool on to the exterior of the appendage. A closure loop may then be cinched or otherwise closed or allowed to close, and the tools removed.
A variety of specific instruments, devices, and systems may be devised for performing the methods of the present invention. An exemplary device for closing a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention is described in detail in the descriptions that follow. The device comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the distal end is adapted to percutaneously enter the pericardial space, be advanced over an epicardial surface, and then approach the exterior of the left atrial appendage. Preferably, the shaft has a length in the range from 10 cm to 40 cm, a width in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm, and a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm. Usually, the shaft will be curved over its length to be compatible with the curvature of the heart. The shaft may include a means to alter the curvature to accommodate variations in anatomy. Similarly, the device may preferably include a crescent-shaped cross-section to also conform to the shape of the exterior of the heart. The device will carry a mechanism or means for closing the left atrial appendage when the distal end of the shaft is positioned adjacent to the appendage. Usually, the closure mechanism will be introducable through one or more lumens formed in the shaft. In a particularly preferred configuration, the distal end of the shaft will be configured to lie within the atrioventricular groove of the heart, and at least one lumen through the shaft will have an exit port spaced inwardly from the distal end of the shaft by a distance in the range from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. In this way, the port will be positioned properly to access the free end of the atrial appendage for performing the closing procedures. In addition, the shaft may have one or more additional lumens (for a total of two, three, or more lumens through the shaft) in order to provide additional capabilities, including introduction and use of a viewing scope, infusion and perfusion of fluids, particularly the infusion of saline to facilitate viewing. Optionally, the lumens can be used to introduce an anesthetic agent, such as lidocaine, in order to reduce pain or to introduce an anti-arrhythmic agent to reduce myocardial irritability.
The present invention still further comprises kits including the closure devices just described. The kits will further include instructions for use according to the methods described above, and optionally further include packaging for holding all components of the kit together. Additionally, the kits may include the access sheath which is placed through the percutaneous penetration tracks as the pericardial space. The access sheath may be in the form of a trocar and cannula assembly, although this will usually not be preferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an anterior view of a heart illustrating the position of the left atrial appendage relative to the remaining structures of the heart.
Fig. 2 shows the position of the heart in an associated chest cavity and illustrates a preferred percutaneous access site for performing the methods of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary closure tool useful for performing the methods of the present invention.
Figs. 4A-4C are orthogonal views of the closure device of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 illustrates an access sheath placed percutaneously into a pericardial space using a sub-xiphoid approach beneath the rib cage as is preferred in the methods of the present invention.
Figs. 6A-6G illustrate use of the exemplary tool of Fig. 3 inperfomiing the closure of a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention. Figs. 6K-6N illustrate an alternative protocol for use of the exemplary tool of Fig. 3 in performing the closure of a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
Figs. 6O and 6P illustrate alternative clip placement patterns for closing the left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention. Fig. 7A-7C illustrate an exemplary clip which may be used in performing the closure methods of the present invention.
Fig. 8 illustrates a clip insertion tool useful for placing the clip of Figs. 7A- 7C according to the methods of the present invention.
Figs. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views of the insertion tool of Fig. 8 used in placing the clip of Fig. 7A-7C over a left atrial appendage according to the methods of the present invention.
Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary kit including a closure device and optional components according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 is an anterior view of a heart illustrating the right ventricle RN, the left ventricle LV, and the left atrial appendage LAA. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are intended to place a closure structure over or otherwise close off the base region BR of the left atrial appendage. By closing off the base region BR, the exchange of materials between the left atrial appendage LAA and the left atrium LA will be stopped. Thus, the release of emboli from the left atrial appendage into the left atrium will be stopped.
Referring now to Fig. 2, the heart is located within the pericardial space PS located beneath the patient's rib cage RC. The sternum S is located in the center of the rib cage RC and terminates at its lower end in the xiphoid X. On either side of the xiphoid are the costal cartilage CC, and the percutaneous access points for performing the procedures of the present invention will be located beneath the rib cage RC, and preferably between the xiphoid X and an adjacent costal cartilage CC, preferably at the access location AL shown by a broken line.
An exemplary tool 10 for perforaiing the methods of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 3, 3A, and 4A-4C. The tool comprises a shaft 12 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. A handle 18 is preferably attached to the proximal end of the shaft, and the shaft will have a curved profile in its axial direction (as best seen in Fig. 4B) and a crescent-shaped cross-section, as best seen in Fig. 4C. The preferred dimensions of the shaft are set forth above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft has three lumens 20, 22, and 24. A first lumen 20 is used for introducing a closure tool (which may be any of the closure tools described above), while the second and third lumens (22 and 24, respectively) are used for introducing a viewing scope and fluids, such as saline or other clear fluids for improving visualization of the region surrounding the left atrial appendage. In alternative embodiments, the first lumen 20 can still be used for a grasper, while either of the second lumen 22 and/or third lumen 24 may be used for introducing alternative closure devices, such as clip appliers, riveting devices, fusing devices, suturing devices, stapling devices, or the like. In a particular embodiment shown below, either or both of the lumens 22 and 24 may be used to advance a clip over the left atrial appendage as the appendage is being grasped by a grasper, such as the one shown in Fig. 3.
While the closure tool may have any of a wide variety of designs, the presently preferred tool is shown in Fig. 3 A. The tool comprises a grasper 30 and a capture loop 32. Capture loop 32 is attached to a manipulation wire 34 which permits the loop 32 to be advanced over the forward end of the grasper to encircle and close the left atrial appendage, as will be described in more detail below. The grasping tool 32 may be manipulated using a thumb guide 40, while the capture loop 32 may be manipulated using a second thumb guide 42, both of which are located on the handle 18.
The lumens 20, 22, and 24, terminate in exit ports 50, 52, and 54, best seen in Fig. 4A. The exit ports are located proximally of the distal end 14 of the shaft 12. The shaft is generally thinned in the region between the exit ports and the distal tip, facilitating the introduction of the distal tip into the atrioventricular groove, as described in more detail below. The exit ports are located a sufficient distance behind the distal tip of the shaft so that they will be generally located adjacent to the free end of the left atrial appendage when the tip is located in the atrioventricular groove.
The methods of the present invention may be performed in an ambulatory surgical setting. Typically, a sedated patient is taken to a facility having fluoroscopic imaging capabilities. The area overlying the xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage, is prepared and draped using standard techniques. A local anesthetic is then administered and a skin incision, usually about 2 cm in length made, at the area shown in Fig. 2. The percutaneous penetration passes beneath the costal cartilage, and a sheath 100 (Fig. 5) is introduced into the pericardial space PS. The pericardial space PS is then irrigated with saline, preferably with a saline-lidocaine solution to provide additional anesthesia and reduce the risk of irritating the heart. The closure device 10 is then introduced through the sheath 100 into the pericardial space and advanced over the epicardmm to the atrioventricular groove AVG (as shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B). The grasping tool 30 is then advanced distally from the tool 10 so that it can grasp the free end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6C. A slight tension can be applied on the left atrial appendage LAA as the capture loop 32 is advanced over the grasper 30 (Fig. 6D), and on to the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6E. The loop may then be cinched, as shown in Fig. 6F, and the tool 10 withdrawn leaving the closure loop in place, as shown in Fig. 6G. The interior of the left atrial appendage LAA is thus isolated from the interior of the left atrium so that thrombus and other emboli cannot be released into blood circulation.
Optionally, a portion of the parietal pericardium may be further separated from the epicardial surface and the left atrial appendage prior to closing the appendage. Increasing the distance between the parietal and visceral pericardium, i.e., the pericardial space, creates a working and viewing space that facilitates subsequent manipulation and closure of the atrial appendage. As shown in Figs. 6H-6J, a modified closure device 100 having an additional lumen 102 is introduced so that its distal end 104 enters the atrioventricular groove AVG, as described previously. A balloon expander 110 may then be introduced through the lumen 102, and the balloon expanded to raise the pericardium, as shown in Fig. 61. The grasper 30 (or other closure instrument) may then be introduced through other lumens, as previously described. The working space created by the balloon greatly simplifies manipulation and positioning of the graspers 30 so that they can be used to capture the atrial appendage and close it as described previously. Further separating the parietal and visceral pericardia to create the working space is a particular advantage when a viewing scope is introduced to the working area to facilitate manipulation of the grasper 30 and any other tools which may be used.
Referring now to Figs. 6K-6N, the closure tool 10 is illustrated in a method for introducing a clip 200 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The closure tool 10 is introduced to the left atrial appendage LAA as described in above in connection with Figs. 6A and 6B. Once in place, the clip 200 may be introduced through any of the available lumens in the device, typically using a pusher 202. The clip 200 will be configured so that it opens as it emerges from the closure tool 10 and can be advanced over the free distal end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6L. The clip 200 may then be closed over the appendage, as shown in Fig. 6N. The clip 200 may be self-closing or may require a mechanical or heat-actuated closure mechanism. Once in place, as shown in Fig. 6N, the closure tool 10 can be removed. Frequently, it will be desirable to introduce multiple clips 200, as shown in Fig. 60. Alternatively, a larger clip 208 can be introduced transversely over the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 6P.
Referring now to Figs. 7A-7C, an exemplary clip 300 for use in the methods of the present invention will be described. The clip 300 has a generally U- shaped profile, as best seen in Fig. 7A, optionally having a serpentine or zig-zag profile on at least one of the legs of the clip. As illustrated, a series of peaks and valleys 302 is provided on an "upper" leg of the clip. The clip 300 further includes a hinge region 304 which has a narrowed width to facilitate introduction through a introducer catheter 400, as shown in Fig. 8. Introducer catheter 400 has a I-shaped lumen 402 which receives the clip 300 so that the upper leg and lower leg of the clip are held in an open configuration in upper and lower tracks of the lumen, as described below in connection with Figs. 9A- 9C. Optionally, the catheter 400 may include a radiopaque marker 404 to permit orientation under fluoroscopic imaging (so the position can confirm that the clip is in the proper vertical orientation when being placed). A pusher 408 is provided having a I- shaped distal end 410 which is received in the I-shaped lumen 402 in order to advance and eject the clip from the catheter.
Referring now to Figs. 9A-9C, the clip 300 is held in the lumen 402 of catheter 400 with the legs of the clip held open. A pusher 408 can be advanced so that end 410 engages the hinge region 304 of the clip, allowing it to be advanced out of the distal end of the catheter, as shown in Fig. 9B. As the clip 300 emerges, it remains in an open configuration so that it can be advanced over a free distal end of the left atrial appendage LAA, as shown in Fig. 9B. Once the clip 300 is fully advanced and released from the catheter 400, as shown in Fig. 9C, the clip will close over the left atrial appendage LAA to hold the appendage closed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Referring now to Fig. 10, kits according to the present invention comprise a closure tool, such as closure tool 10 described above. Optionally, the kits may comprise an access sheath 120 and will include instructions for use LFU setting forth any of the methods described above. Usually, all components of the kit will be packaged together in an enclosure 140, such as a pouch, tray, box, tube, or other conventional surgical package capable of maintaining the components in a sterile condition. It will be appreciated that any kit containing instructions for use setting forth the methods of the present invention will be part of the present invention. Whether or not the kits include a closure device which is similar to Fig. 10 is not necessary.
While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient's heart, said method comprising: positioning a closure instrument through a percutaneous passage beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and adjacent to the left atrial appendage; and closing the left atrial appendage using the closure instrument.
2. A method as in claim 1 , wherein positioning comprises making an incision between a costal cartilage and a xiphoid of the patient and placing an access sheath through the incision into a pericardial space.
3. A method as in claim 2, wherein positioning further comprises advancing a distal end of the closure instrument through the sheath, into the pericardial space, and over an epicardial surface to an atrioventricular groove of the heart.
4. A method as in claim 3, wherein closing comprises looping, suturing, stapling, clipping, riveting, clamping, or fusing the left atrial appendage at a neck region thereof.
5. A method as in claim 4, wherein closing further comprises grasping the left atrial appendage prior to closing the neck region thereof.
6. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the method is performed while the patient's heart is beating.
7. A method as in claim 6, wherein the method is performed while both lungs of the patient remain inflated.
8. A method as in claim 7, wherein the method is performed while the patient is under a local anesthetic.
9. An improved method for closing a left atrial appendage of a heart, said method being of the type wherein a closure element is placed over an exterior of the appendage while the patient's chest remains closed, wherein the improvement comprises advancing the closure element from beneath the rib cage over an epicardial surface to the exterior of the left atrial appendage prior to placing the closure element over the left atrial appendage.
10. A device for closing a left atrial appendage of a heart, said device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to percutaneously enter a pericardial space, advance over an epicardial surface, and approach the exterior of the left atrial appendage; and means carried by the shaft for closing the left atrial appendage when the distal end of the shaft is positioned adjacent to the left atrial appendage.
11. A device as in claim 10, wherein the shaft has a length in the range from 10 cm to 40 cm, a width in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm, and a thickness in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm.
12. A device as in claim 10, wherein the shaft is curved over its length.
13. A device as in claim 12, wherein the curvature of the shaft is adjustable.
14. A device as in claim 12, wherein the device has a crescent-shaped cross-section.
15. A device as in claim 10, wherein the distal end is configured to lie within an atrioventricular valve groove of the heart.
16. A device as in claim 15, wherein the shaft has at least one lumen which extends from the proximal end to exit ports spaced inwardly from the distal end by a distance in the range from 0.5 cm to 5 cm.
17. A device as in claim 16, wherein the closing means extends through the at least one lumen.
18. A device as in claim 17, wherein the closing means comprises a grasping tool which extends through one of the lumens, said grasping tool being adapted to temporarily grasp the left atrial appendage.
19. A device as in claim 18, wherein the closing means further comprises a closing tool adapted to permanently close the left atrial appendage while it is being temporarily closed with the grasping tool.
20. A device as in claim 12, wherein the shaft has at least a second lumen.
21. A device as in claim 20, further comprising a viewing scope positionable through the second lumen in the shaft.
22. A device as in claim 10, further comprising a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.
23. A device as in claim 21, wherein the shaft has at least a third lumen for irrigating the pericardial space.
24. A device as in claim 10, further comprising an expander for separating the pericardium in the region of the left atrial appendage.
25. A device as in claim 24, wherein the expander comprises an inflatable balloon.
26. A kit comprising: a closure device; and instructions for use setting forth a method as in claim 1.
27. A method as in claim 1, further comprising separating the parietal pericardium from the visceral pericardium near left atrial appendage prior to closing the left atrial appendage to create a space over the atrial appendage.
28. A method as in claim 27, further comprising viewing the atrial appendage through the space.
PCT/US2000/023727 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure WO2002017809A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00957904A EP1313406B1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure
JP2002522787A JP4671582B2 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Method and apparatus for closing the left atrial appendage around the heart
DE60044569T DE60044569D1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE TRANSPERICARDIAL CLOSURE OF THE LEFT HEART EYE
PCT/US2000/023727 WO2002017809A1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/023727 WO2002017809A1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002017809A1 true WO2002017809A1 (en) 2002-03-07

Family

ID=21741719

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/023727 WO2002017809A1 (en) 2000-08-29 2000-08-29 Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1313406B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4671582B2 (en)
DE (1) DE60044569D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002017809A1 (en)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007024615A1 (en) 2005-08-19 2007-03-01 Boston Scientific Limited Defect occlusion apparatus, system, and method
WO2007024514A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-01 Boston Scientific Limited Transeptal apparatus, system and method of forming the apparatus
US7806846B2 (en) 2004-03-30 2010-10-05 Nmt Medical, Inc. Restoration of flow in LAA via tubular conduit
US7967840B2 (en) 2001-12-19 2011-06-28 Nmt Medical, Inc. PFO closure device with flexible thrombogenic joint and improved dislodgement resistance
US7998095B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2011-08-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
US8097015B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2012-01-17 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Device and methods for preventing formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage
US8568447B2 (en) 2004-05-06 2013-10-29 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Delivery systems and methods for PFO closure device with two anchors
US8568431B2 (en) 2004-03-03 2013-10-29 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Delivery/recovery system for septal occluder
US8870913B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2014-10-28 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catch system with locking cap for patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder
US9005242B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2015-04-14 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure device with centering mechanism
US9017373B2 (en) 2002-12-09 2015-04-28 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure devices
US9028527B2 (en) 2002-06-05 2015-05-12 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with radial and circumferential support
US9084603B2 (en) 2005-12-22 2015-07-21 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catch members for occluder devices
US9138562B2 (en) 2007-04-18 2015-09-22 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Flexible catheter system
US9149263B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2015-10-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system
US9241695B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2016-01-26 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clips
US9259267B2 (en) 2005-09-06 2016-02-16 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue
US9326759B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2016-05-03 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system
US9445895B2 (en) 2005-09-16 2016-09-20 Atritech, Inc. Intracardiac cage and method of delivering same
US9474517B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2016-10-25 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Heart occlusion devices
US9545247B2 (en) 2004-05-07 2017-01-17 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catching mechanisms for tubular septal occluder
US9770232B2 (en) 2011-08-12 2017-09-26 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Heart occlusion devices
US9808230B2 (en) 2014-06-06 2017-11-07 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US9861346B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2018-01-09 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with linearly elongating petals
US10426589B2 (en) 2003-12-04 2019-10-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. System and method for delivering a left atrial appendage containment device
US10792025B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2020-10-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US10806437B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2020-10-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US10828019B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2020-11-10 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11369374B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2022-06-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US11564689B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2023-01-31 Datascope Corp. Fastener applicator with interlock
US11653928B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2023-05-23 Datascope Corp. Device for atrial appendage exclusion

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3459469A1 (en) 2017-09-23 2019-03-27 Universität Zürich Medical occluder device
WO2020179045A1 (en) * 2019-03-07 2020-09-10 オリンパス株式会社 Medical device
WO2020179044A1 (en) * 2019-03-07 2020-09-10 オリンパス株式会社 Medical device

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5961440A (en) * 1997-01-02 1999-10-05 Myocor, Inc. Heart wall tension reduction apparatus and method

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4865037A (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-09-12 Thomas J. Fogarty Method for implanting automatic implantable defibrillator
US5071428A (en) * 1989-09-08 1991-12-10 Ventritex, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing intrapericardial access and inserting intrapericardial electrodes
US5632761A (en) * 1991-05-29 1997-05-27 Origin Medsystems, Inc. Inflatable devices for separating layers of tissue, and methods of using
US5452733A (en) * 1993-02-22 1995-09-26 Stanford Surgical Technologies, Inc. Methods for performing thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass
ES2098563T3 (en) * 1991-11-19 1997-05-01 Origin Medsystems Inc INFLATABLE ENDOSCOPIC RETRACTOR DEVICES TO SEPARATE LAYERS OF TISSUES.
US5540711A (en) * 1992-06-02 1996-07-30 General Surgical Innovations, Inc. Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic procedures with laparoscopic visualization
US6161543A (en) * 1993-02-22 2000-12-19 Epicor, Inc. Methods of epicardial ablation for creating a lesion around the pulmonary veins
US5306234A (en) * 1993-03-23 1994-04-26 Johnson W Dudley Method for closing an atrial appendage
SE9303253D0 (en) * 1993-10-05 1993-10-05 Siemens Elema Ab Instruments for peephole surgery
US5681278A (en) * 1994-06-23 1997-10-28 Cormedics Corp. Coronary vasculature treatment method
US6132438A (en) * 1995-06-07 2000-10-17 Ep Technologies, Inc. Devices for installing stasis reducing means in body tissue
US5827216A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-10-27 Cormedics Corp. Method and apparatus for accessing the pericardial space
US6237605B1 (en) * 1996-10-22 2001-05-29 Epicor, Inc. Methods of epicardial ablation
US5908429A (en) * 1997-05-01 1999-06-01 Yoon; Inbae Methods of anatomical tissue ligation
US6071281A (en) * 1998-05-05 2000-06-06 Ep Technologies, Inc. Surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element within the body and remote power control unit for use with same
EP1024761B1 (en) * 1997-10-10 2002-08-14 Boston Scientific Limited Soft tissue coagulation probe

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5961440A (en) * 1997-01-02 1999-10-05 Myocor, Inc. Heart wall tension reduction apparatus and method

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1313406A4 *

Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7967840B2 (en) 2001-12-19 2011-06-28 Nmt Medical, Inc. PFO closure device with flexible thrombogenic joint and improved dislodgement resistance
US8758403B2 (en) 2001-12-19 2014-06-24 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. PFO closure device with flexible thrombogenic joint and improved dislodgement resistance
US9241695B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2016-01-26 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clips
US9028527B2 (en) 2002-06-05 2015-05-12 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with radial and circumferential support
US9017373B2 (en) 2002-12-09 2015-04-28 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure devices
US9326759B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2016-05-03 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system
US9149263B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2015-10-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Tubular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with catch system
US9861346B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2018-01-09 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with linearly elongating petals
US11375988B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2022-07-05 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure device with linearly elongating petals
US8097015B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2012-01-17 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Device and methods for preventing formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage
US10426589B2 (en) 2003-12-04 2019-10-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. System and method for delivering a left atrial appendage containment device
US8568431B2 (en) 2004-03-03 2013-10-29 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Delivery/recovery system for septal occluder
US8945158B2 (en) 2004-03-03 2015-02-03 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Delivery/recovery system for septal occluder
US7806846B2 (en) 2004-03-30 2010-10-05 Nmt Medical, Inc. Restoration of flow in LAA via tubular conduit
US8568447B2 (en) 2004-05-06 2013-10-29 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Delivery systems and methods for PFO closure device with two anchors
US9545247B2 (en) 2004-05-07 2017-01-17 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catching mechanisms for tubular septal occluder
US7837619B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2010-11-23 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Transeptal apparatus, system, and method
US8062309B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2011-11-22 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Defect occlusion apparatus, system, and method
WO2007024514A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-01 Boston Scientific Limited Transeptal apparatus, system and method of forming the apparatus
US7998095B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2011-08-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Occlusion device
WO2007024615A1 (en) 2005-08-19 2007-03-01 Boston Scientific Limited Defect occlusion apparatus, system, and method
US10368942B2 (en) 2005-09-06 2019-08-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue
US9259267B2 (en) 2005-09-06 2016-02-16 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue
US9445895B2 (en) 2005-09-16 2016-09-20 Atritech, Inc. Intracardiac cage and method of delivering same
US10143458B2 (en) 2005-09-16 2018-12-04 Atritech, Inc. Intracardiac cage and method of delivering same
US9084603B2 (en) 2005-12-22 2015-07-21 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catch members for occluder devices
US8870913B2 (en) 2006-03-31 2014-10-28 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Catch system with locking cap for patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder
US11369374B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2022-06-28 Datascope Corp. Systems and methods of tissue closure
US9005242B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2015-04-14 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure device with centering mechanism
US10485525B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2019-11-26 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure device with centering mechanism
US9949728B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2018-04-24 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Septal closure device with centering mechanism
US9138562B2 (en) 2007-04-18 2015-09-22 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Flexible catheter system
US9474517B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2016-10-25 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Heart occlusion devices
US10278705B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2019-05-07 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Heart occlusion devices
US11596391B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2023-03-07 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11589853B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2023-02-28 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US10792025B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2020-10-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US10806437B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2020-10-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11564672B2 (en) 2009-06-22 2023-01-31 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US9770232B2 (en) 2011-08-12 2017-09-26 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Heart occlusion devices
US10828019B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2020-11-10 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11771408B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2023-10-03 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11564689B2 (en) 2013-11-19 2023-01-31 Datascope Corp. Fastener applicator with interlock
US11298116B2 (en) 2014-06-06 2022-04-12 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US9808230B2 (en) 2014-06-06 2017-11-07 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US10368853B2 (en) 2014-06-06 2019-08-06 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Sealing device and delivery system
US11653928B2 (en) 2018-03-28 2023-05-23 Datascope Corp. Device for atrial appendage exclusion

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1313406B1 (en) 2010-06-16
JP4671582B2 (en) 2011-04-20
EP1313406A4 (en) 2006-09-13
JP2004520090A (en) 2004-07-08
DE60044569D1 (en) 2010-07-29
EP1313406A1 (en) 2003-05-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9724105B2 (en) Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure
EP1313406B1 (en) Methods and apparatus for transpericardial left atrial appendage closure
JP4987861B2 (en) Papillary muscle attachment for left ventricular reduction
US20200100789A1 (en) Left atrial appendage devices and methods
US5452733A (en) Methods for performing thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass
EP3175797A1 (en) Trans-catheter ventricular reconstruction structures and systems for treatment of congestive heart failure and other conditions
US20050149069A1 (en) Left atrial appendage devices and methods
EP3884993A1 (en) Device for valve regurgitation surgery and cardiac pacemaker lead fixation
US20240000458A1 (en) Atrial appendage excluder

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000957904

Country of ref document: EP

Ref document number: 2002522787

Country of ref document: JP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000957904

Country of ref document: EP